Army stays in North for commercial purposes says the CM, C.V.Wigneswaran

The Security forces in the North are undertaking strategic moves in recent times. They are trying to attract Tamil people by building houses, digging wells, cleaning the costal and tank areas, providing livelihood, and organizing carnivals and running food stalls in the name of Lord Buddha during festivals like Wesak. The ‘price’ to be paid for this is allowing them to continue their stay here. This is a dangerous situation, the NPC CM, C.V.Wigneswaran had warned in his weekly press release.

The Army has disseised 60,000 acre lands and keeping them under its control even today. Apart from small areas that are released id had captured and keeping farms, state buildings, Community Centres, State lands, and forest areas.

In the Palaly farm in extent of 180 acre, the army is engaged in agriculture assisted by spray irrigation. Menik farm in Vavuniya is used by the Army to produce vegetables.

Dutch Fort Hammenliel is run by private person for the Navy, it is alleged. The Security Forces are in control of tourist attractions, depriving income to local authorities.

A high Official of our Province has said loudly in Colombo that the people are not asking the army to leave. Only the politicians are demanding that. Until such people are here we cannot get the army to get out. If we do not expel the security Forces from here the North will be transformed like the East.

All should be aware of activities undertaken by the Security forces from among ourselves. The Army helps to install Buddha statues in places where there are no Buddhists. The army is conniving with the Mahaweli Authority to colonize Sinhalese into the Northern Province. The Army is bringing in southerners and engage them in illegal fishing. If the Security Forces continue like this, 10 years will be enough to transform the North into another East, he had said.